Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
2010, Vol 10, Num, 4 (Pages: 463-470)
Stocking Density and Photoperiod Manipulation in Relation to Estradiol Profile to Enhance Spawning Activity in Female Nile Tilapia
Edward Ebo Onumah 1 ,Stephan Wessels 1 ,Nina Wildenhayn 1 ,Bernhard Brümmer 1 ,Gabriele Hörstgen Schwark 1
1 Georg-August University, Department für Agrarökonomie und Rurale Entwicklung, Göttingen, Germany
DOI :
10.4194/trjfas.2010.0404
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This study investigated the effects of stocking density and photoperiod manipulation in relation to plasma estradiol-17β
(E2) profile to enhance spawning activity in female Nile tilapia using F1 clonal crosses. The fish were divided into
experimental and control groups and subjected to a combination of stocking density and photoperiod treatments (40 kg/m3;
6L:18 D, 40 kg/m3; 12 L:12 D and transferred into single compartments at 12 L:12 D; 14 kg/m3; 12L:12D, respectively).
Blood samples were taken by caudal puncture from both experimental and control fish for estradiol profile analysis. Results
showed that experimental fish exhibited significantly higher number of spawns per day, total and relative fecundity, hatching
and swim-up rates (P<0.05). Regression analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between fish size (body weight),
and total and relative fecundity (P<0.001). It was also revealed that E2 levels demonstrated a pattern based on completed
reproductive cycle in the experimental fish. The study therefore established that a combination of stocking density and
photoperiod treatments can be adopted to manipulate the timing of spawning activity in female Nile tilapia without having
adverse effect on other reproductive parameters such as egg qualities and fecundity. Findings further suggested that the effects
of exogenous factors on manipulation of spawning activities of female Nile tilapia may be achieved as a result of hormonal
changes including E2 levels.
Keywords :
Stocking density, Photoperiod, Spawning, Estradiol levels, Nile tilapia